Boxelder bugs get their common name from the fact that they are often found on and around boxelder trees. They are primarily a nuisance pest as they they enter structures, including homes, sheds and garages to escape the winter.

Boxelder bugs can become a significant nuisance when large groups of them invade homes. They are not known to bite, but their piercing-sucking mouthparts can occasionally puncture skin when they are handled. When crushed or handled roughly, boxelder bugs sometimes produce a strong, unpleasant odor and their fecal material can leave reddish-orange stains that result in fabric discoloration. Yuck.